In 2024, Montreal saw a 19% increase in new residential construction with 16,400 units built. The market is clearly active, but like buying a car without knowing maintenance costs, building or renovating without understanding the challenges can quickly get complicated.
A structural engineer makes sure your building stands strong. They plan and verify that everything is solid, safe, and meets regulations.
Got a project in Montreal? We explain why their expertise is essential and how to pick the right professional without complicated jargon or pitfalls.
Key points to remember about structural engineers in Montreal
- Check that the engineer is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)
- Choose local expertise adapted to Montreal’s conditions and standards
- Check references and reputation to avoid complications and delays
- The structural engineer ensures the building’s strength, safety, and compliance
- At Genispec, we offer services: inspections (facades, parking lots), reserve fund studies, technical expertise, building condition certificates
- We have over 10 years of experience in Montreal with diverse projects and a rigorous service
How to choose a structural engineer in Montreal?
Check membership with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)
Before hiring an engineer, confirm they are a member of the OIQ. This guarantees they have the necessary skills, follow regulations, and respect a strict code of ethics. If issues arise, you have official recourse.
At Genispec, all our structural engineers are OIQ certified. That means your project is in trusted, expert hands.
Prioritize local expertise
Montreal isn’t like anywhere else. Between cold winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy snow loads, buildings must be designed to handle these conditions. Plus, there are specific rules: municipal permits, island-specific standards, and borough requirements. It’s best to work with someone familiar with the local context.
At Genispec, we work every week throughout the greater Montreal area. From home inspections to commercial building assessments and compliance studies, we’ve completed over 1,000 projects in more than 10 years. We know what to expect and how to adapt.
Check references
Before choosing an engineer, take time to verify their reputation and experience. This often makes the difference between a smooth project and avoidable delays or complications.
At Genispec, we focus on tangible results and rigorous service. Our Google Business profile proudly holds a 5/5 rating. Recently, we celebrated our 10th anniversary. Over the years, we’ve supported projects across Montreal and surrounding areas with the same commitment to quality.
What is the role of a structural engineer in Montreal?
A structural engineer ensures your building is solid, safe, and compliant with standards. They design or validate load-bearing elements like foundations, beams, walls, slabs, and balconies to make sure everything holds up against Montreal’s unique climate challenges.
Their role goes beyond calculations. They ensure your project complies with municipal regulations, the Quebec Building Code, and local specifics. Whether for renovation or new construction, they’re often the first expert to consult to avoid costly mistakes or surprises.
Our intervention services
At Genispec, our engineers provide:
- Facade inspections and underground parking inspections under Law 122, which requires condominiums of five floors or more to perform regular inspections.
- Reserve fund studies and maintenance logs as required by Law 16, helping condominiums plan for major repairs.
- Technical inspections of multi-residential, commercial, and industrial buildings including condominiums to detect weaknesses and propose repair plans.
- Certificates of building condition and pre-delivery inspections for real estate transactions or project completions.
FAQ
What is the role of a structural engineer in construction or renovation projects?
They guarantee the building’s strength and safety by designing and checking load-bearing parts, considering climate and local standards to ensure durability.
Why is it important to hire a building engineer for a structural inspection?
They detect hidden weaknesses and assess the real condition of the structure, helping avoid unexpected costs and ensuring occupant safety with a reliable, standards-compliant diagnosis.
What is a facade and underground parking inspection under Law 122?
Law 122 requires condominiums with five floors or more to have regular inspections of facades and underground parking by a qualified engineer. The goal is to prevent risks from structural deterioration like falling materials or settling. The engineer delivers a detailed report with safety recommendations.
What are reserve fund studies and maintenance logs under Law 16?
These help condominiums plan long-term expenses. The reserve fund study estimates future costs for major repairs, and the maintenance log lists necessary interventions to keep the building in good shape. Both are prepared by an engineer to avoid surprises and support sound financial management.
Which buildings require regular inspection by an engineer?
Multi-residential, commercial, industrial buildings, and multi-storey condominiums need regular inspections to ensure safety, legal compliance, and structure longevity. Some residential buildings may also need inspection, especially if showing aging or damage.
How does a structural inspection for commercial, multi-residential, or industrial buildings work?
Our engineers conduct a detailed site visit to observe the structure and identify signs of wear or weakness. They review existing plans, assess materials, and perform tests if needed. A clear, comprehensive report follows with precise recommendations for repairs or follow-ups.
Genispec
Consulting engineering firm based in Québec
Genispec is a consulting engineering firm made up of building engineers who are members of the OIQ. We offer specialized services in façade and underground parking inspections in accordance with Law 122, as well as reserve fund studies and maintenance logs as required by Law 16. We also conduct inspections of commercial, multi-residential, industrial buildings, and condominiums. In addition, we provide building condition certificates and pre-delivery inspections.
All our reports are validated by a qualified engineer. Every article published on our website is reviewed and approved by a qualified member of our team to ensure the technical accuracy of the information.